Apr 06
I have my Black Watch tartan ready to go to wear at the parade in New York whenever COVID allows…
Don’t be surprised if you see people decked out in tartan this weekend. Today, April 6, the United States is celebrating National Tartan Day. The day is intended to recognize the contributions of Scottish Americans to the U.S.
Here’s a look at five things you didn’t know about Scotland…
Read the whole article at: Tartan Day: 5 Things You Didn’t Know About Scotland – ABC News
Apr 06
April 6 is National Tartan Day. This is an official national holiday which kicks off Tartan Week.
National Tartan Day honors all the Scottish heritage that flows through this nation.
From its earliest beginnings, Americans with Scottish ancestry endeavored for that freedom as much as any American. It was in their blood.
It was 400 years before they had declared –“For we fight not for glory, nor riches, nor honours, but for freedom alone which no good man give sup except for his life.” – from the Declaration of Arbroath
It might be surprising to know that of the 13 governors in the newly established United States, 9 where Scots. There are 56 signatures on the Declaration of Independence.
Some scholars suggest nearly a third of those signers were of Scottish descent. Not only can we point to the country’s founding fathers, but of the 43 Presidents who have taken office, 33 have been of Scottish descent.
Those with Scottish blood were and are independent and resourceful. They are prolific inventors and writers. They are talented musicians and artist, skilled leaders and scholars. In the United States today, over 11 million Americans claim Scottish or Scotch-Irish roots. That makes them the 8th largest ethnic group in the United States.
HOW TO OBSERVE
Check local civic websites for parades, ceremonies and events. Wear your tartan and use #NationalTartanDay to post on social media.
Black Watch tartan
HISTORY
On March 20, 1998, the United States Senate passed Resolution 155 that designated April 6th of each year as National Tartan Day to recognize Scottish Americans and their achievements and contributions to the United States.
On March 9, 2005, the House passed Resolution 41 and by Presidential Proclamation, it was signed by President George W. Bush on April 4, 2008.
On this day in 1320, Scot’s signed the Declaration of Arbroath, formally declaring their independence from England.
For more information visit www.americanscottishfoundation.com.
Adapted from: NATIONAL TARTAN DAY – April 6th | National Day Calendar
Apr 06
NATIONAL TARTAN DAY
April 6 is National Tartan Day. This is an official national holiday.
National Tartan Day honors all the Scottish heritage that flows through this nation.
From its earliest beginnings, Americans with Scottish ancestry endeavored for that freedom as much as any American. It was in their blood.
It was 400 years before they had declared –“For we fight not for glory, nor riches, nor honours, but for freedom alone which no good man give sup except for his life.” – from the Declaration of Arbroath
It might be surprising to know that of the 13 governors in the newly established United States, 9 were Scots. There are 56 signatures on the Declaration of Independence.
Some scholars suggest nearly a third of those signers were of Scottish descent. Not only can we point to the country’s founding fathers, but of the 43 Presidents who have taken office, 33 have been of Scottish descent.
Those with Scottish blood were and are independent and resourceful. They are prolific inventors and writers. They are talented musicians and artist, skilled leaders and scholars. In the United States today, over 11 million Americans claim Scottish or Scotch-Irish roots. That makes them the 8th largest ethnic group in the United States.
HOW TO OBSERVE
Check local civic websites for parades, ceremonies and events. Wear your tartan and use #NationalTartanDay to post on social media.
Black Watch tartan
HISTORY
On March 20, 1998, the United States Senate passed Resolution 155 that designated April 6th of each year as National Tartan Day to recognize Scottish Americans and their achievements and contributions to the United States.
On March 9, 2005, the House passed Resolution 41 and by Presidential Proclamation, it was signed by President George W. Bush on April 4, 2008.
On this day in 1320, Scot’s signed the Declaration of Arbroath, formally declaring their independence from England.
For more information visit www.americanscottishfoundation.com.
Adapted from: NATIONAL TARTAN DAY – April 6th | National Day Calendar
Apr 04
Easter symbolizes the renewal of life. I wish you and your family the renewal of life, love, and happiness.
Mar 01
A few years ago TCM was doing 31 Days of Oscars. I first sort of noticed this when I looked ahead in the scheduling and noticed that all TCM shows were alphabetized. At first, I thought maybe that this scheme was some sort of placeholder before I realized what they were doing. Personally, I preferred when 31 Days grouped films by nomination category, by studio or by actor. Alphabetical is easy for them but hard on me, looking through every entry to see what to record.
Saturday, we were up to the M’s and Tivo faithfully recorded (The) Music Man. When I watched it on Sunday, I was most pleased to realize that I remembered all the words.
Remembering all the words is no small feat.
I first started collecting records (yes, records!) of musicals when I was in high school in Springfield, MA. Our library had an outstanding record collection, but I could only check out one (or 2?) at a time.
I would bring my record(s) home, and listen to them like crazy. Then I’d save my allowance and any work money I had and go to the local department store to buy my favorites. I always bought musicals and they were nearly Original Broadway Cast. Years later, I still have all these records, even though I usually listen on Spotify or on one of my carefully curated playlists. (I also can’t listen to any of the music out of order.)
As the years roll by, many of these musicals, like The Music Man, have gone on to become films. I am not usually a happy camper when the music is changed from what I remember of the OBCs and the film, but The Music Man film made the cut for me 🙂
Feb 22
“Scotland the Brave” (Scottish Gaelic: Alba an Àigh) is a Scottish patriotic song. It was one of several songs considered an unofficial national anthem of Scotland.
My cellphone ringtone is Scotland the Brave. At any event or rehearsal, everyone knows it’s my phone, if one is ringing 🙂 I posted a bit about that here: http://maryoblog.com/2015/08/
Below, the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards pipes and drums perform Scotland The Brave, The Black Bear and Highland Laddie on the esplanade of Edinburgh Castle. In typically inclement Scottish weather, the Pipes and Drums were performing to mark the release of their second album Spirit of the Glen: Journey. Part of this album was recorded when the regiment was on active service in Iraq.
A view of the amazing Scottish country taken from across Scotland.
I had no idea that there were lyrics and I’ve never heard anyone singing them but here they are:
Hark when the night is falling
Hear! Hear the pipes are calling,
Loudly and proudly calling,
Down thro’ the glen.
There where the hills are sleeping,
Now feel the blood a-leaping,
High as the spirits of the old Highland men.
Towering in gallant fame,
Scotland my mountain hame,
High may your proud standards gloriously wave,
Land of my high endeavour,
Land of the shining river,
Land of my heart for ever,
Scotland the brave.
High in the misty Highlands,
Out by the purple islands,
Brave are the hearts that beat
Beneath Scottish skies.
Wild are the winds to meet you,
Staunch are the friends that greet you,
Kind as the love that shines from fair maiden’s eyes.
Towering in gallant fame,
Scotland my mountain hame,
High may your proud standards gloriously wave,
Land of my high endeavour,
Land of the shining river,
Land of my heart for ever,
Scotland the brave.
Far off in sunlit places,
Sad are the Scottish faces,
Yearning to feel the kiss
Of sweet Scottish rain.
Where tropic skies are beaming,
Love sets the heart a-dreaming,
Longing and dreaming for the homeland again.
Towering in gallant fame,
Scotland my mountain hame,
High may your proud standards gloriously wave,
Land of my high endeavour,
Land of the shining river,
Land of my heart for ever,
Scotland the brave.
Feb 15
Today is President’s Day, a combo of holidays for George Washington’s and Abraham Lincoln’s birthdays, making a new Monday holiday.
These days people don’t seem to celebrate much except for having car and furniture sales.
When I was a kid, we lived in a small town (Pawcatuck, CT and Westerly, RI are sister towns, virtually interchangeable with each other).
Our combined town celebrated George’s birthday with cherry pies.
All the kids went around to the stores, and even bars!, and collected Table Talk pies.
I would come home with piles of the pies – which I loved and is still my favorite today.
As far as I remember, no one did anything for Abe’s birthday 🙁
I have mentioned this quirky event to several others and nobody has heard of giving away cherry pies like this on any holiday.
But everyone I’ve asked wishes that it still happened!
Feb 14
Some of you may know that I’m involved in Little Free Library (LFL) and is a library on my street under the auspices of the O’Connor Music Studio.
When our son is home for a visit, we always go out on a hiking trail with the dog, Mimi, and sometimes my mom. On one occasion, we saw a LFL in the middle of a trail and thought someone made it themselves.
Then there was another another one…
DS knew I was fascinated by this whole idea and ordered one for me for Christmas in 2016.
I have found one other in our neighborhood, outside the swimming pool.
In the meantime, don’t forget to celebrate International Book Giving Day today.
From http://bookgivingday.com/
You’ve heard about International Book Giving Day. You love the idea. You’ve got some great quality books. What next?
This fabulous infographic (above) has been created by Jo Ebisujima – Jojoebi, one of the IBGD team, to help you solve that very quandary.
Share your plans on social media using #bookgivingday
Feb 12
Our wonderful daughter-in-law is Chinese, so we are celebrating, too.
This is the Year of the Ox. The Ox (牛) is the second of the 12-year cycle of animals which appear in the Chinese zodiac related to the Chinese calendar, and also appears in related calendar systems.
Music Little Free Library
